Yale University, CT Statement on Sustainable Purchasing

Type: Policy

Status: In effect

Source File: http://www.yale.edu/procurement/greenPurchase/sustainabilitystatement.htm

Text:

All Requests for Proposals and Requests for Information from Yale University should include the following statement:
“In adherence with The University’s strong commitment to sustainability, Yale Purchasing Services actively researches and solicits quotes on environmentally preferable goods and services. Environmentally preferable goods and services are those which have a reduced negative effect on human health and/or the environment when compared to comparable products and services. Such goods and services include, but are not limited to, those which are made from recycled content, conserve natural resources, minimize pollution, reduce the use of water and energy, reduce environmental health hazards to workers and our community, support strong recycling markets, reduce materials that are landfilled, increase the use and availability of environmentally preferable products, and produced locally. Additionally, the University will reward suppliers who reduce environmental impacts in their production and distribution systems or services and give back to their communities.

Yale University is committed to purchasing products that have earned industry approved ecolabels and certifications or that meet the standards said ecolabels and certification programs wherever possible and practical.

Examples of such programs include, but are not limited to:

Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov)

Greenguard (http://www.greenguard.org)

Green Seal (http://www.greenseal.org)

Terra Choice (formerly Environmental Choice) (http://www.environmentalchoice.com/English/Home/)

Forest Stewardship Council Certification (http://www.fscus.org)

Veriflora (http://www.veriflora.com)

Scientific Certification Systems (http://www.scscertified.com/)

SCS has many certification programs, such as Sustainable Choice, Indoor Air Quality, etc.

All suppliers are encouraged to visit the websites for these ecolabeling and certification programs for complete product specifications and updated lists of qualifying products.

In an effort to track the environmental characteristics of the companies with which we work, The University requests that you list and describe your specific sustainability initiatives as they relate to manufacturing processes and corporate practices. Additionally, please complete the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Supplier form to provide detail on your environmental business practices for consideration as a supplier to Yale.”

Include the following statement when considering the purchase of electronic products:
“Yale University is committed to purchasing products that have earned the Energy Star label, and have met the Energy Star specifications for energy efficiency, wherever possible and practical. All vendors are encouraged to visit http://www.energystar.gov for complete product specifications and updated lists of qualifying products.”